Herbert Harding Houston, 103

Herbert H. Houston, 103, of Pottstown, husband of the late Martha (nee Callen) Houston, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022 at home.

Born in Nelson, British Columbia, he was the son of the late Neil and Mary (nee Currie) Houston.

As a young man, prior to coming to the United States, Herbert served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Air Force. After becoming a United States Citizen, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, where his rank was Captain. He played the french horn for over 70 years and performed in the Germantown, Allentown, Johnstown, and Pottstown Symphony Orchestras. He was a founding member of The Pottstown Symphony Orchestra and served as orchestra manager. He was a member of Stichter Masonic Lodge #254 where he held the title of Past Master, after having served the role of Master in 1982. Herbert was also the vice president of Pottstown Machine Company in the 1960s, and later owner and President of Bramley Mixers USA, where he designed and built heavy duty commercial mixing machines. He was supported in all his endeavors by Martha, his loving wife of 56 years, until her passing in 2005.

Herbert is survived by his daughter Hope Egolf, sons Art Houston and James Houston, as well as grandchildren Ivy Chalmers (Rusty), Lauren Griffith (Brad), Ethan Egolf, and a great-granddaughter Madison Swoyer.

Along with his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister Betty and his late-life companion, Elsie Huff.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 1st, at 11am at The Stichter Masonic Lodge #254, King and Franklin Sts., Pottstown, Pa. …all friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation in memory of Elsie, Herbert’s beloved companion.

Add My Condolences

I just learned of Mr. Houston’s passing. My deep sympathy to his family. He was my horn teacher when I was in high school, teaching me how to play musically and with emotion. Later, we were colleagues in Pottstown Symphony. I always respected and admited him, including his resolve in creating his own wide-rim french horn mouthpiece to help lip endurance as he aged. He was a kind and dignified man and his presence on earth will be missed.

~ Sally Heist
11/19/2022 10:03:12 AM

I'll always remember Mr. Houston's kind spirit, and the many, MANY chauffeur rides he gave to me and Ivy, as teens. Usually to the pool, sometimes the mall. He was such a sweet man. My heartfelt condolences to all of his loved ones.

~ Samantha Stick Pottstown, PA
9/28/2022 8:19:43 PM

I will remember Herb fondly. We enjoyed having him with us at family gatherings. He was a wonderful companion to my Great-Aunt Elsie. May his memory be a blessing.

~ Heather Bell Margolin
9/28/2022 3:57:37 PM